Fears that the Strait of Hormuz’s closure will trigger global hunger are overblown, but if China begins to weaponize its vast fertilizer capacity? Countries like India would be left badly exposed if Beijing treats fertilizers like rare earths.
Gulf war fertilizer crunch: Why it’s good news for China and bad news for India
Geopolitical tensions threaten global fertilizer supply chains, particularly for nitrogen-based fertilizers, as China holds 30% of global production capacity. The vulnerability arises from China's potential to weaponize fertilizer exports, leaving import-dependent nations like India critically exposed to supply disruptions and price volatility. This could exacerbate food security risks in agricultural nations reliant on imported fertilizers.